Sitcom Geeks

Part two of James's fascinating interview with Eric Chappell: More great insights into Only When I Laugh, Home To Roost and more - and the answer to the question 'will there ever be a Rising Damp re-make?'

The Great Rigsby, Pt 1. James in lively and fascinating conversation with the great Eric Chappell, creator of Rising Damp, Only When I Laugh, Duty Free and many more great ITV sitcom hits.

Dave and James talk about sketches, as well as books and podcasts on writing. And another First Ten Pages is put under the spotlight.

James and Dave return with two more ten page challenges, and tackle your questions - including story arcs, meeting producers, and the exact mathematical answer to 'how many plots per episode?'.

Dave and James conclude their discussion with comedy legend John Lloyd talking about Blackadder and, yes, another massive show that John Lloyd had a hand in, To The Manor Born.

James and Dave celebrate Episode 42 by discussing Life, the Universe and Everything with comedy legend and original Hitchhiker's Guide co-writer John Lloyd. A funny and touching tour of Douglas Adams's brain - plus 40 years of John's great creation, The News Quiz.

James Cary talks to comedy producer Steve Doherty (Have I Got News For You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks) about sketches, The News Huddlines, getting out of London, trains and The Craft of Comedy Festival in Llandudno.

James and Dave, joined by Abigail Burdess and Kay Stonham, discuss the shows nominated for the Writers' Guild Best Radio Comedy Award - Guilt Trip, The Pin and John Finnemore's Double Acts. Plus more great advice about writing for the new series of Newsjack, and you get to find out what a 'bottle episode' is.

James Cary and Dave Cohen are joined by Abigail Burdess and Kay Stonham to talk about the Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards, particularly the shows nominated for Best TV Sitcom (People Just Do Nothing, Plebs, Fleabag). They also talk about sitcom trends, story arcs and what even qualifies as a sitcom these days.

Dave and James talk about the pitfalls of story arcs, fixing characters and breaking fourth walls.

In this episode, Dave and James return to the pain and pleasure (and many other p's) of plotting. Plus two 'First Ten Pages'.

In this slightly chaotic and brief edition recorded at the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, Dave Cohen and James Cary are joined by Kay Stonham, Carrie Quinlan, Joel Morris and Abigail Burdess. They talk about money, making your own show and, somehow, unboxing.

Dave and James talk about what makes a sitcom character - and the importance of familiarity, flaws and lack of self-awareness. Plus another brief appearance from the rodents.

Dave and James look at three First Ten Page pages, and answer some listener questions, including what happens when you switch on the TV and realise someone has got to your sitcom idea first. Also featuring guinea pigs.

We all love Dougal, Trigger and Bubble. There is a fine traditional of idiocy in sitcoms. James and Dave talk about the joys and challenges of idiots - and how they can be surprisingly useful.

With the return of Newsjack on Radio 4 Extra, James and Dave explain why every wannabe sitcom writer should be brushing up their topical sketches.

In this shorter episode, James answers an email and recommends other listening that should be of interest to sitcom writers. Back to normal soon. Promise!

James and Dave get geeky and technical with writer/script editor Andrew Ellard as they ask listeners' questions, covering characters, plot lines and sitcoms set-ups. So they cover everything, really. Nice.

James and Dave talk to writer/script editor Andrew Ellard about his Channel 4 Blap, Outsiders, and his work on Chewing Gum.

James and Dave chat to the king of kids' TV writing, Ben Ward, about Horrible Histories, SMTV and how to write the perfect episode of Danger Mouse. Crumbs!

James and David talk about the pros and cons of crowdfunding sitcoms and give notes on the first ten pages of three scripts sent in by some brave listeners.

Do you want some advice? Of course you don't, there's nothing more annoying than someone telling you what's wrong with your work of genius. In this episode Dave and James talk about how to deal with feedback.

In this episode Dave, James and Katie explain why - whether you're a writer, performer, writer-performer or spectator - it's essential you spend some time checking out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, plus offer some tips on how to survive it.

In our final episode from this year's Llandudno Craft of Comedy festival, Dave Cohen talks Baby Cow, Car Share and more with top producer Gill Isles.

In the second of their interviews from the Llandudno Craft of Comedy Conference, James and Dave talk to Radio 4 Comedy Commissioner Sioned Wiliam - fascinating, fact-packed and a must for radio comedy writers at every level.